By Dr. R. E. Freedman, Ph.D.

There is a time and place for anxiety reducing prescription medications but there is also a long overdue necessity for consumer education concerning these medications. There is a strong possibility of negative repercussions resulting from the use of these particular medications, often worse than the use of common street drugs. This is a serious and very real issue that requires every consumer’s attention.

In the past 20 years there have been staggering connections between suicides and prescription antidepressant medications. There have been dramatic statistics linking crimes, including school shootings, and these anxiety/depression relieving medications. It is important to note that this does not mean that every individual who is now taking an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) medication is in danger of dramatic personality changes, but there is a noticeable number of users who do experience a lack of empathy, suicidal tendencies and urges to act on unproductive thoughts while taking these medications. The new warnings which accompany these medications reflect this problem, especially in individuals 18 years of age or under. Coincidence is no longer an excuse for these destructive behavior patterns.

Benzodiazepines, when used correctly, offer temporary relief for an anxious or traumatized individual. Problems arise when these prescription medications are taken regularly, rather than “as needed.” The body quickly becomes tolerant to them, as quickly as two weeks usage. In layman’s terms, the body requires a larger dosage of the medication to experience the same relief from anxiety and often continues to do so.

Withdrawal from both antidepressants and benzodiazepines is often a nightmare in itself. They both require a slow and supervised protocol to ensure a smooth withdrawal. Stopping cold turkey is not an option in either case, as the consequences will prove harsh and uncomfortable for anyone attempting this on their own.

The news media clearly provides proof of the dangers of prescription medications. Individuals are under the false assumption that because these medications are physician prescribed, they are not dangerous. The warnings, when go unheeded, may dramatically create dire results. Benzodiazepines and alcohol do not mix, as they will rapidly sedate the respiratory system, and a large dosage is not required for this to occur. One’s body will basically forget to breathe as this normal body function is shut down in the brain.

The risks outweigh the pluses when these medications are misused. This is no fault of the prescribing physician but a strong doctor patient relationship is necessary which includes educating the patient about the proper use of prescription medications…and takes into consideration the personality of the individual. Engaging in conversation with the patient is essential, as is exploring their particular issues and not merely using sessions to discuss medication and dosage changes.

Young troubled teens and ssri antidepressants are not always well suited. Alcohol partying adults and benzodiazepines are not the best combination either. In the past two decades more people have died or committed crimes due to the use of prescription drugs over street drugs. Prescription medications are the bigger problem when abused. There seems to be a purely lackadaisical attitude toward these prescription (anxiety related) medications mainly because they are physician prescribed. It’s time to take a closer look at these antidepressant and benzodiazepine medications and how they are provided, their use and the monitoring of the patient. Supervision of all patients using these medications is essential.

There are non-pharmaceutical options that fill the immediate need and provide long term relief with far less risks. This must be considered since the red flags are brightly waving and the signals are loud and clear. Yes, there is a place for these medications but there is also the need to consider who is using them and if these medications really suit their needs, lifestyle and behaviors. Many individuals who struggle with anxiety and/or depersonalization are highly reactive to outside stimuli, which includes medications. This must be taken into consideration as well.

It is essential that all medication users are fully aware of other drug-free options that provide long term and permanent recovery. Learning the correct method of thinking, combined with the proper food plan will enable one to break through the anxiety and fogginess of depersonalization. Clarity will return and life returns to normal without the added intrusion of medication induced side effects and withdrawal difficulties.